Support in finding a job and interviews

https://autisticadvocacy.org/2025/05/job-openings-plain-language-specialist-policy-analyst-and-executive-assistant/

Ooo Autistic Self Advocacy Network in America just opened up three new positions? Idk if they are remote (I imagine they are?) but that would be a job that focuses on Autism!

I'm sorry to hear about your breakdown. This has happened to me and I can empathise. Just know that it is not a bad reflection on you that this happened. You were perhaps overwhelmed and probably under pressure and over worked. You probably didn't have the right support in place, so don't blame yourself. It's ok to have a breakdown. 

Speaking as some who had a career change quite recently, I can confirm that just because IT is all you know, it's not necessarily the only thing you can do. My advise is to shop around and she what's out there and then go with your gut about a job. Sticking with IT will certainly be the easiest but maybe something related or where you can see transferable skills would work too. 

Also, you don't have to make a decision about your entire future - you might try a different job and hate it and then another and then do IT again and that's fine. 

In terms of mitigating against future breakdowns, it's about finding the right environment and people to work with. For me, as soon as I enter a place I either feel uneasy or relatively relaxed and I listen to that. Then think about what you need in order to function well. For me, if I plan too many meetings in one day I will burn out. I'm lucky that I can work at home or in the office, so when I wake up I make an assessment about what I can manage that day, even if it differs from what I've planned - so again listen to your gut. If you can be honest about your needs, even better - it might be a simple thing like you don't want to sit next to a bin or where the light is or something as these small things build up until they're intolerable and sometimes we are just somehow programmed to suffer in silence.

In terms of interview - I just rehearse the entire thing (including smiling at whoever greets me and commenting on my journey or the weather or whatever)  Write down all of the questions I think will be asked and all of the answers and ask and answer them out loud. Invariably something will come up that you're not prepared for but these are usually in a minority. Telling yourself that you are bad at interviews is unhelpful. Instead think of all of the things that make you good to work with and list them and focus on that. When the chatter comes into your head telling you you can't do it, you're not good enough or whatever override this with that list you made about why you'd be good to work with or for. 

A test won't tell you what job is right for you because all autistic people are different, so different jobs work for each of us. Think about the things you like to do and are good at and the kind of environments you like to be in. Sometimes you have to take a leap of faith and be prepared for an unpredictable outcome. 

Are you sure you had a breakdown because you weren't doing well? Is it not possible you weren't doing well because you were getting close to a breakdown? In other words you were overloaded, putting too much pressure on yourself, then suffered from burnout.

In this case you need to avoid burnout.

Presumably you managed to have a job up to 39, and were doing OK for most of it.
This means you have the skills and knowledge.
Your ex-colleagues were helpful, which means they had some sympathy and cared. They would not have done that if you were really no good.
I would not get too self conscious about an interview, you should rely on your skills and experience, the same as everyone.

It makes sense to stick to what you know as it gives the chance to get the highest salary. But if you don't need to the money, you might want to consider something with less pressure, or get an IT role with less pressure.

I have realised a lot of the pressure is internally generated. My own expectations are higher than are needed and I don't take enough leave on a regular enough basis. Perhaps with some self-compassion and better leave management you would also be able to reduce stress.
You may also need to actively try to relax and switch off each day, and to prioritise rest.
These changes may mean you can better cope.

Don't lose confidence because of one episode. 

Now this I might not be as much of a help in since I live in the States. Assistance might look a little different in the UK.

https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/employment <- This is a webpage here on NAS that can possibly point you in the right direction.

At least here in the States we have employment specialists like myself that work at companies that assist people with disabilities in their employment goals. I assume UK’s got similar setups, but I’m not sure.

where can I find help in finding a job? 

Good evening, Programmer37,

I have some concerns about you looking for more IT jobs, because you said you had a:

Programmer37 said:

mental breeakdown because I wasm't performing well in my IT job

That makes me think that maybe you need a break from IT? In your job search I would consider looking for a variety of jobs. Yes, look for some IT jobs, but also consider other options. It wouldn’t do you much good to start up in a new IT job and restart the cycle towards another breakdown.

Programmer37 said:

Also I only have experience in IT.

Okay, but you also have what are called “transferable skills.” These are skills that you can take from one job to another. For example, IT requires some level of organization and focus. Those two skills are also imperative in, say, the bookkeeping or library settings.

I had no experience in helping disabled people find jobs until roughly twoish months ago. BUT I had transferable skills in educating and one-on-one guidance.